Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tod Newlin on September 15, 2009 at 5:26pm

Wow, starting a new Honor Guard is a very big undertaking. First and for most it takes money. When I first joined our Honor Guard 10 plus years ago we surived on donations and fund raisers, such as t-shirt sales, we even delivered flowers for a local flower shop during Valentines Day to raise money. Now our local firefighter's union and firefighter's association contribute money on an annual basis. Your dept. might even be able to contribute money or even pay for honor guard uniforms for your members.
You need guide lines and SOP's so that the members know what's expected. If you have anyone on the dept. that has military experience or know of anyone with past military Honor Guard experience, even a High school or Colleage ROTC program to help out with procedure. There is a handbook called "Lead with your left" that is a help. BIG TIP: Know your flag protocal. If you don't you will hear about it from someone.
Uniforms and accessories are big (and pricey) decisions. I would do alot of research for the style (uniform) you want and cost. As far as Honor Guard accessories, I have found a few places on line that have good prices.
www.eaglemountainflag.com good prices on adjustable flag poles and flag pole heads.
www.showaxe.com good prices on light weight ceremony axes.
paradestore.com has alot of Honor Guard stuff
Participation is HUGE, getting people who are interested and willing to train is very important.
There is still so much more to go in to and there are growing pains but you will get there.
Good luck and I wish you all the best on getting your Honor Guard started.

Permalink Reply by Brent Jones on September 16, 2009 at 10:20am

Hi Karen, If you send me an email to mfdhonoguard@wi.rr.com i can send you some of our stuff that might help you in getting your own procedures set up. i will also send you the pdf file of lead with your left. Then, if there is anything else you need or have questions on, let me know

Brent Jones
Commander
Honor Guard
Milwaukee Fire Dept.

Permalink Reply by Capt./Chaplain Mike Petrosky on September 21, 2009 at 3:44pm

Karen-Congratulations on taking the "step" to become and starting your Honor Guard. Yes, finances are always a huge part of any special team programs. Look into donations, grants, etc. from all venues possible. Uniforms and equipment are large expenditures and I would advise you to REALLY, REALLY do your homework and find what you want. Look and ask other Honor Guards what they have and what they like and what works best! Remember, usually you are in your uniform for long periods of time and also consider the weather conditions ( we are in Michigan and in summer it can be extremely warm and the winters can be cold and one uniform wont cut it ). Go online and look up Honor Guard Schools and Training and try and get all your members through the same academy. We went thru Elmhurst Fire Dept., just outside of Chicago. They put us thru a week long school and run you thru everything you can possibly need and at the end the class conducts a full blown funeral, very thorough. Just do alot of searching on the web. And get copies of the US Flag Code-great peice of info to have. Good luck.

Permalink Reply by Oldman on September 28, 2009 at 5:42pm

Karen,

Your department expressing an interest in forming a unit is the first step. A good place to start is learning the art of drill and ceremony. Many units (mine included) reference the Army Field Manual 22-5, the Air Force Manual 36-2203 -- DRILL AND CEREMONIES (these are the most common) although I'm sure the Marines and Navy have their own. These publications lay the foundation for military bearing, marching, cadence, flag and ceremony protocol, etc.

Another source of information is the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, http://www.firehero.org/resources/departments/ There are several checklists and sample guidelines.You might also check with your states fire credentialing body or fire marshals office. Many times they will have information available.

Check with neighboring departments (fire, police, or EMS) who already a unit and see what they are doing. Most will welcome you to participate in mutual training. There are also several groups and organizations which provide Honor Guard training. The National Honor Guard Commanders Association, http://www.nhgca.com/ and The National Honor Guard Academy http://www.nationalhonorguardacademy.com/ are excellent resources.

I hope this helps

Good luck